Simeon Career Academy High School
General Information
About Simeon Career Academy High School
Simeon Career Academy High School, located in Chicago, Illinois, is a renowned public high school that blends rigorous academics with comprehensive career and technical education (CTE). Established in 1949, the school has a long-standing reputation for preparing students for both college and meaningful careers through hands-on training and academic excellence. Simeon is part of the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) system and serves students in grades 9 through 12. The academy focuses on career readiness programs in fields such as automotive technology, culinary arts, business, and health sciences, while also providing a strong foundation in traditional core subjects like math, science, and language arts.
Simeon Career Academy is well known for its commitment to developing leadership, discipline, and community involvement among its students. Its athletic programs, particularly its basketball team, have earned national recognition and produced professional athletes and community leaders. The school maintains a mission centered on equipping every student with the academic and vocational skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing workforce. Through partnerships with local industries and colleges, Simeon offers students real-world learning experiences that connect classroom instruction to future career opportunities.
Contact Information
Address: 8147 S. Vincennes Avenue, Chicago, IL 60620
Phone Number: (773) 535-3200
Email Address: info@simeonacademy.org
School Facts
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founding Year | 1949 |
| Motto | “Excellence Without Excuse” |
| School Type | Public Career Academy High School |
| Grades Offered | 9–12 |
| Student-Teacher Ratio | 17:1 |
| District | Chicago Public Schools (CPS) |
Simeon Career Academy High School Rankings
| Ranking Category | Position |
|---|---|
| Illinois Public High School Ranking | Top 100 |
| Chicago Career Academy Ranking | #1 |
| National Career Readiness Program Ranking | Top 10% |
Simeon Career Academy High School Academics
Simeon Career Academy High School Faculties / Departments
- English and Language Arts Department
- Mathematics Department
- Science Department
- Social Studies Department
- Career and Technical Education (CTE) Department
- Health and Physical Education Department
- Fine Arts Department
- Business and Technology Department
Simeon Career Academy High School Courses and Programs / Majors
- Automotive Technology
- Culinary Arts
- Business Management and Accounting
- Information Technology and Computer Science
- Health Sciences
- Welding and Construction Technology
- Media and Communication Studies
- Advanced Placement (AP) Courses in English, Math, and Science
Online Learning
Simeon Career Academy integrates digital platforms and blended learning environments to supplement its traditional classes. Through Chicago Public Schools’ virtual resources, students can participate in online credit recovery, AP courses, and digital learning labs. Online programs are designed to help students manage coursework flexibly while maintaining access to teacher guidance and academic support.
Average Test Scores
| Test | Average Score |
|---|---|
| SAT | 1030 |
| ACT | 21 |
| PSAT (Average) | 940 |
Retention and Graduation Rates
Simeon Career Academy maintains a graduation rate of approximately 90%, which exceeds the state average for public high schools. Retention rates remain high due to strong academic counseling and student support systems, including tutoring, mentorship, and career-readiness programs.
Simeon Career Academy High School Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
Simeon Career Academy typically admits students with a minimum GPA of 2.5 or higher. For magnet or specialized programs, applicants often present GPAs between 3.0 and 3.8. Average standardized test scores for accepted students are generally above the Chicago Public Schools district average.
Simeon Career Academy High School Acceptance Rate
| Year | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 52% |
Simeon Career Academy High School Application Requirements
Applicants are required to submit an application through the Chicago Public Schools selective enrollment system. Requirements include previous academic records, attendance history, disciplinary reports, and test scores. Students applying for career or technical programs may also need to complete interviews, personal statements, or portfolio submissions, depending on the field of interest. The admissions team seeks motivated students who show both academic promise and a genuine interest in hands-on vocational training.
Application Process
- Submit an online application through CPS GoCPS portal
- Provide middle school academic records
- Complete any required testing or interviews
- Select preferred CTE pathway
- Receive admission decision and confirm enrollment
Simeon Career Academy High School Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Opens | October 1 |
| Application Deadline | December 15 |
| Admission Notification | March 1 |
| Enrollment Confirmation | April 15 |
Essay Prompt
Some career pathways require a short personal statement. Common prompts include: “Describe why you are interested in your chosen career field and how Simeon Career Academy can help you achieve your goals.”
Simeon Career Academy High School Scholarships
Simeon Career Academy provides students with access to local and state scholarship opportunities, including those for academic merit, community service, and career training excellence. The school partners with organizations such as the Chicago Urban League and local businesses to provide financial aid and career-specific scholarships.
Simeon Career Academy High School Tuition and Fees
| Category | Annual Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition | Free (Public School) |
| Career Program Materials | $150–$400 |
| Extracurricular / Activity Fees | $50 |
Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics (Gender, Age, Race/Ethnicity)
Simeon Career Academy’s student body is richly diverse, reflecting the multicultural character of Chicago’s South Side. The majority of students identify as African American, with Hispanic, Asian, and multiracial students comprising the remaining population. The gender balance is approximately equal, and students range from ages 14 to 18.
Low-Income Students / Students with Disabilities
Simeon Career Academy is dedicated to equity and accessibility. A significant portion of students come from low-income households, and the school provides free or reduced lunch programs, academic tutoring, and college counseling. Support services for students with disabilities include individualized education plans (IEPs), resource teachers, and adaptive learning tools to ensure success in all programs.
Student Body
| Category | Number |
|---|---|
| Total Students | 1,300 |
| Average Class Size | 22 |
| International Students | 10 |
University Diversity
Simeon Career Academy emphasizes diversity, inclusion, and cultural awareness as part of its school culture. Through student-led organizations, multicultural events, and diversity workshops, the school promotes understanding among all racial and ethnic groups. Faculty-led initiatives also encourage discussions on equity and social responsibility, preparing students to contribute to a diverse and global society.
Average Earnings
Graduates of Simeon Career Academy who pursue technical careers often enter the workforce immediately after high school, earning competitive entry-level wages. Those who continue to higher education frequently transition into fields such as business, technology, and healthcare. Alumni with trade certifications or college degrees report average early career earnings between $40,000 and $60,000 annually.
Simeon Career Academy High School Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
Simeon Career Academy employs over 80 faculty members, many of whom have specialized certifications in their technical fields. Teachers focus on creating an engaging, skill-oriented learning environment that bridges the gap between academics and career preparation.
Faculty Profiles (Expertise, Achievements)
Faculty members at Simeon are industry professionals with extensive experience in fields like engineering, automotive technology, culinary arts, and business. Many have earned recognition from the Chicago Public Schools system for excellence in teaching, curriculum innovation, and mentorship.
Simeon Career Academy High School Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
As a public day school, Simeon Career Academy does not offer student housing. However, it provides an active campus life through clubs, athletics, and leadership programs. Students can join organizations such as Student Council, DECA, SkillsUSA, and the National Honor Society. The school’s athletics program, especially its basketball and football teams, plays a central role in fostering school pride and community spirit.
Transportation
Simeon Career Academy is conveniently located near major Chicago transit routes, making it accessible via CTA buses and trains. The school encourages the use of public transportation and provides student transit cards. On-campus parking is available for staff and upperclassmen, while bike racks support eco-friendly commuting options.